Spine Osteoarthritis - What You Need to Know

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the spine. Osteoarthritis of the spine occurs when there is deterioration in the discs between the vertebrae. Osteoarthritis can occur in the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine. With cervical osteoarthritis, neck pain may radiate into the shoulder or down one of the arms. Osteoarthritis of the lumbar region of the spine is characterized by morning stiffness (for about 30 minutes) and usually involves more than one vertebrae. Back pain can become a recurring problem.

Although osteoarthritis of the spine cannot be cured, effective management of pain and other symptoms is possible. Early diagnosis and treatment help manage spine osteoarthritis symptoms. Understanding symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options is important. Read more in Spine Osteoarthritis - What You Need to Know.

Related Resources:

• More About Spine Pain
• Guide to Lower Back Pain
• Back & Neck Pain at About.com
• Fast Facts About Facet Arthropathy
• Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Back Pain?

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• Join Us in Our Osteoarthritis Forum / Message Board

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